Since the Rubber Tree (botanical name *Ficus elastica*) isn’t a fan of freezing temperatures, it definitely can’t stay outside during a chilly winter. You’ll need to bring it indoors to keep it happy. However, there are a couple of different ways you can help your leafy friend get through the cold season successfully.
Light
No matter which winter strategy you choose, your Rubber Tree is going to crave plenty of light. Just keep in mind that even in winter, you should protect it from harsh, direct midday sun. In most homes, the light levels should be just fine as long as your Ficus is sitting near a window and you aren’t keeping the blinds closed all day.
If your plant is tucked away in a corner far from a window, it might start feeling the “winter blues” from lack of light. Keep an eye on the leaves—they’ll usually tell you if it’s getting too dark.
Option 1: Keep It Right Where It Is
You don’t necessarily have to move your *Ficus elastica* to a special “winter home” if its current spot stays warm enough. These plants are happiest between 60°F and 68°F (16-20°C). If your room is heated and stays within that range, your Rubber Tree can stay in its usual spot all year round. In this case, you don’t really need to change your care routine at all.
Option 2: The Seasonal Move
The second approach is to give your Rubber Tree a little “winter nap” (dormancy). This helps the plant save up energy for a big growth spurt once spring hits. To encourage this rest period, you’ll want to make a few changes between October and February:
- Move it to a cooler spot
- Scale back on the TLC (less water and food)
Cooler Temps and Winter Care
How cool should you go? That depends on where the plant was sitting before. You don’t want to give your Ficus a “cold shock” by moving it from a tropical 75°F room to a chilly basement. If it’s used to a very warm room, try to keep the winter temperature around 60°F (16°C). If its summer spot was already on the cooler side, you can push it down to about 54°F (12°C) for its winter rest.
One big warning: Watch out for cold drafts! Rubber Trees hate chilly wind, even if you’re just cracking the window for a few minutes to let in some fresh air.
While your plant is resting, you should also dial back the maintenance:
- Gradually reduce watering, but never let the soil dry out completely.
- Stop fertilizing entirely, or at most, give it a little boost only once or twice during the whole winter.
